The two nights celebrated heritage, community, and athleticism through programming and audience participation.

A crowd favorite, the halftime Round Dance reminded attendees that celebration, culture, and connection move in circles.

“My appreciation to the DHS staff, volunteers, and community partners for your support,” said Sadie Jo Smokey-Crews, organizer and Class of 1995 alumna. “My thanks to the community for welcoming, recognizing, and supporting our youth, alumni, Veterans, and those who enrich and deepen the understanding of our Indigenous community.”

The cultural exchange preceding the games featured community partners and displays of DHS and Block D alumni, including Douglas County High School basketball teams from the 1950s, seven decades of Washoe Tribe Royalty, and Washoe Warriors, honoring service members from World War I through active duty.

Community partners included Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum, Nevada Department of Education, Intergenerational Healing Project, University of Nevada, Reno Office of Indigenous Relations, Nevada INBRE Tribal Academy of Health and Science, University of Nevada, Reno One Digital Media Technology, and Western Nevada College.

A very special thanks to:
• Judy James for the Washoe Warriors display
• Kathy Pete, Herman Fillmore, and Mark Kizer for the Washoe greeting and welcome
• Darlene Smokey for singing the National Anthem
• Red Hoop Singers and the Fillmore family for their halftime Round Dance performances

Thank you to the Washoe Royalty, including:
• Jayda Yarrow
• Jordyn Wyatt
• Kai Koos
• Cedar Lundy
• Mauricea Two Eagle
• Ethelyn Smith
• Taneah Lo’osi Johnson
• Marlaine Marshall
• Itmahawa Enos